With KORA fueled, provisioned (first round), and ready for her next adventure, it was finally time to head into Athens.
Before we could begin sightseeing, however, we met up with my brother Steve, Catherine, Oscar, and Chelsea – the first time we’d seen them since sailing together aboard KORA in Italy last summer! It was wonderful to catch up, even if only briefly. Their morning had been spent on a mission of their own: finding a barber for Oscar. Much like my unsuccessful search for a pedicure (while Doug awaited fuel), it turned out Athens wasn’t making life easy for any of us! Everyone booked out, even though there were no customers in the stores?!?
Then it was time to explore.
Our last visit to Athens was back in 2012 with Emily, Kaitlyn, and my parents. Unfortunately for Doug, a nasty case of food poisoning meant he spent much of that trip close to the apartment, missing many of the city’s most famous sights. This time he finally got his chance.
First stop was the Ancient Agora offered another glimpse into everyday life in classical Athens. Once the political, commercial, and social heart of the city, it was here that philosophers such as Socrates walked, debated, and shaped ideas that still influence the world today.
Also of interest, the bathrooms at the Stoa of Attalos – very sheik!
Next up, rising high above the city, the Acropolis is one of those places that needs very little introduction. Home to the iconic Parthenon, construction began in 447 BC, and nearly two and a half thousand years later it continues to dominate the Athens skyline. Standing among those enormous marble columns, it’s hard not to pause and imagine the generations who have stood in exactly the same place before us.
From there we looked down on the Theatre of Dionysus, considered the birthplace of Greek drama, where playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes first brought their works to life before audiences more than 2,000 years ago.
Of course, Athens isn’t only about ancient history. Between the ruins are lively cafés, bustling streets, musicians, markets, and countless little laneways where old and new exist side by side. Somehow the city manages to feel both ancient and wonderfully alive at the same time.
As evening approached, we reunited with the family for one of those nights we’ll remember for a long time. Drinks on a rooftop overlooking the illuminated Acropolis.
Then dinner at Pharaoh, one of Athens’ most celebrated restaurants. The concept is refreshingly simple. No gas. No electricity in the kitchen. Everything is cooked over wood-fired ovens, open flames, and charcoal grills.
The result? This one makes it up there with one of the best meals we’ve had all summer. And of course, great food always tastes even better when shared with family, and after weeks apart it was wonderful to sit around the table catching up on each other’s adventures.
Tomorrow, KORA welcomes her next crew aboard.
The Cyclades are calling.
